Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Steven Hirsch

Steven Hirsch (born May 25, 1961) is an American businessman and producer recognized as the founder and co-chairman of Group, a prominent production company launched in 1984. Under Hirsch's direction, Vivid expanded to become the largest entity in the adult video sector, achieving peak annual revenues of around $100 million by pioneering , celebrity-endorsed content distribution, and high-profile acquisitions such as sex tapes involving figures like . Hirsch's strategies transformed industry practices, though his tenure has featured legal disputes over production regulations, including resistance to mandates for condom use in films.

Early Life

Family Background and Upbringing

Steven Hirsch was born on May 25, 1961, in , to Fred Hirsch, a former who transitioned into in the early , initially through Sovereign News Corp. before founding Adult Video Corp., and his wife Roberta Hirsch. He grew up in the area alongside siblings Marci Hirsch, who later became of production at , and Brad Hirsch. The family faced in their Jewish community, an experience Hirsch later described as toughening. In 1975, the Hirsch family relocated from to Woodland Hills, , following the migration of the adult industry westward. Hirsch's father candidly discussed the stigma of the family business with him and his sister during childhood in , explaining that some peers' parents might forbid playdates due to their involvement in distributing films and novelties. This early awareness shaped Hirsch's understanding of the industry's underground nature, though his upbringing also included typical adolescent activities such as and go-kart racing in . Hirsch briefly attended , and the , for two years, studying business and journalism, while taking entry-level jobs at his father's Adult Video Corp., including packing tapes, sales, and promotion. These experiences provided practical immersion in the family enterprise before he pursued independent ventures.

Initial Exposure to the Adult Industry

Hirsch's father, Fred Hirsch, entered the adult entertainment industry in the early 1970s by distributing materials for , a major wholesaler. The family relocated from to in 1975, after which Fred established Adult Video Corp., a distribution company that achieved peak annual sales of $4.2 million between 1983 and 1985. This familial involvement provided Hirsch with early familiarity with the industry's operations, including logistics and sales dynamics. As a , Hirsch took on multiple entry-level roles at Adult Video Corp., handling tasks such as packing videotapes, conducting sales, managing promotions, and performing accounting duties. These positions immersed him in the practical aspects of adult video distribution during the nascent market era, coinciding with the rise of VCR ownership. He briefly attended and journalism classes at , and the , for two years but prioritized industry work. In the early , Hirsch transitioned to a national sales representative position at CalVista Video, another distributor, where he gained experience in catalog management and broader market outreach. This role exposed him to production trends and the potential for couples-oriented content, influencing his subsequent ventures amid the shift from theatrical releases to home viewing.

Professional Career

Pre-Vivid Roles in Distribution

Prior to founding , Steven Hirsch gained experience in the adult video sector through roles involving production support and sales distribution. At age 18, he joined Adult Video Corp. (AVC), a company owned by his father, Fred Hirsch, where he handled operational tasks such as feeding duplicating machines during the early transition to formats. This exposure occurred amid the burgeoning market in the late 1970s and early 1980s, following Hirsch's upbringing in , , where his father had worked under , a prominent of adult materials. In 1981, Hirsch left AVC to take a position at CalVista Video, a major and distributor, serving as a national representative. In this role, he focused on promoting and distributing videos to retailers and wholesalers across the , capitalizing on the rapid growth of consumer video rentals. While at CalVista, Hirsch networked with key figures, including , who handled mail-order operations, laying groundwork for future ventures in the industry. These positions provided Hirsch with practical insights into supply chains, market demands, and the logistical challenges of distributing explicit content in an era before widespread digital platforms.

Founding Vivid Entertainment

Steven Hirsch co-founded in 1984 alongside , both having previously worked at Cal Vista Video, an adult film distributor. At age 23, Hirsch secured an initial investment of approximately $38,000, including a $20,000 loan facilitated through his father's business contacts in the industry. His father, Fred Hirsch, had entered the adult entertainment sector in the early 1970s, distributing films for before establishing Adult Video Corp. in , which provided Hirsch with early exposure to logistics and . The company was headquartered in the area of , capitalizing on the region's emerging cluster of production facilities. Vivid's debut production, the 1984 film Ginger starring Ginger Lynn Allen, marked its entry into original content creation after initial focus on duplication and distribution. The video sold around 6,000 units, generating roughly $700,000 in revenue, which validated the venture's viability in a market dominated by low-budget, underground operations. This early success stemmed from Hirsch's decision to target a "couples-friendly" audience, incorporating stronger narratives, better packaging, and higher production values compared to competitors who prioritized volume over quality. By emphasizing film-like aesthetics and mainstream appeal from , Vivid differentiated itself, earning a reputation for in an often characterized by and legal risks. Hirsch's strategy drew from his distribution experience, aiming to elevate adult content to compete with legitimate sectors through consistent output and targeted . Bill Asher later joined as a partner, contributing to expansion, but the foundational model was set by Hirsch and James's initial collaboration.

Expansion and Business Model

Under Hirsch's leadership, Vivid transitioned from primarily distributing adult content to producing original high-budget films, launching its first production, Ginger starring Allen, in 1984, which sold 6,000 copies and generated $700,000 in revenue. This marked the beginning of expansion into , emphasizing professional packaging and akin to mainstream entertainment to appeal to couples and differentiate from low-end competitors. By the late , Vivid had pioneered the exclusive "Vivid Girls" contract system, signing performers to long-term deals requiring a set number of films annually, which allowed control over talent output and built a recognizable star roster of up to nine women at a time. The core relied on these exclusive contracts, where performers received flat fees without royalties—such as thousands per film for titles like Bad Wives that sold over 54,000 DVDs—paired with premium production values to justify higher retail prices. Revenue streams included direct DVD sales, licensing to cable and channels, and distribution, yielding approximately $80 million in 2001. Hirsch's strategy emulated Hollywood's by fostering through consistent quality and marketing, rather than commoditized , positioning Vivid as the industry's label with annual revenues reaching up to $100 million by 2010. Expansion accelerated through diversification beyond video: in the 1980s, Vivid secured a contract with the Channel for monthly soft-core productions, and by 2001, sold three owned hard-core TV networks to Enterprises for $70 million plus potential $12 million bonuses. Subsequent growth incorporated celebrity-driven releases, parody films like , specialty imprints such as Vivid Alt for alternative genres, and merchandise including makeup and intimate accessories, adapting to digital shifts while leveraging high-profile acquisitions for mainstream crossover appeal. This multi-channel approach sustained Vivid's dominance, with individual releases like the 2010 Fishburne tape generating over $1 million from an initial 25,000-unit run at $45 each.

Key Productions and Initiatives

Celebrity Sex Tapes and High-Profile Releases

Vivid Entertainment, under Steven Hirsch's direction, strategically acquired distribution rights to unauthorized sex tapes involving celebrities to capitalize on their public notoriety, transforming leaked footage into marketable products that boosted company revenues. This approach differentiated Vivid from traditional adult productions, with Hirsch emphasizing the appeal of recognizable figures to drive sales. By 2008, the company had released nine such tapes over its history, focusing on high-profile acquisitions rather than production. A pivotal release was Kim Kardashian, Superstar in February 2007, featuring private footage of reality television personality Kim Kardashian and singer Ray J recorded during their relationship. Vivid secured the rights from an intermediary linked to Ray J for around $1 million, despite Kardashian's subsequent lawsuit attempting to halt distribution on grounds of privacy invasion. The tape's launch coincided with rising media attention on Kardashian, leading to widespread commercial success and positioning it as a benchmark for Vivid's celebrity ventures, though exact sales figures remain proprietary. Other notable acquisitions included footage involving Playboy model in 2006, country singer around 2010, and adult performer Joslyn James, a reported associate of golfer , released as Tiger's Woods Joslyn James: The 11th Hole in 2010. Hirsch later ranked the James tape among Vivid's top celebrity releases for its scandal-driven appeal. In 2012, Vivid pursued rights to a sex tape involving the wrestler and a radio personality's wife, with Hirsch publicly expressing optimism about its potential as a , though the company did not ultimately distribute it due to ongoing legal sensitivities. These releases often involved negotiations to preempt unauthorized leaks, with Hirsch leveraging Vivid's distribution network for DVD sales, online clips, and licensing deals. Critics attributed the model's viability to fame overshadowing content quality, but Hirsch defended it as a legitimate extension of market dynamics. The strategy faced scrutiny for ethical concerns around and , yet it solidified Vivid's niche in the adult .

Talent Contracts and Studio System

Vivid Entertainment, under Steven Hirsch's leadership, pioneered a contract-based in the adult film industry modeled after the classical studio era, emphasizing exclusive long-term agreements with select female performers known as "Vivid Girls." This approach, initiated in the mid-1980s, shifted focus from freelance talent to branded stars, enabling the production of feature-length films centered on individual performers to build audience loyalty and market differentiation. The exclusive contracts typically bound performers to Vivid for multiple years, requiring them to appear in a set number of productions annually while prohibiting work with competitors, thereby creating a roster of 9 to 10 Vivid Girls at any given time. Each film incorporated one primary Vivid Girl as the lead, fostering narrative continuity and merchandising opportunities, such as branded merchandise and targeted marketing campaigns. Compensation under these deals ranged from $80,000 to $750,000 per year, depending on the performer's draw and contract terms, which Hirsch positioned as incentives for exclusivity and professional development within the studio. This system enhanced Vivid's brand identity in an otherwise fragmented industry, allowing for higher production values, couples-oriented content, and cross-promotion via cable networks and retail distribution. By reviving studio-era exclusivity, Hirsch argued it elevated performer status and stabilized revenue streams, contrasting with the era's prevalent gonzo-style, non-exclusive shoots. The model persisted into the 2000s, though it faced challenges from digital piracy and performer demands for flexibility, leading to contract terminations like that of Allie Haze in 2012.

Industry Influence and Recognition

Innovations in Marketing and Production

Under Hirsch's direction, Vivid Entertainment elevated production standards in the adult film sector by prioritizing scripted, narrative-driven content tailored for couples, contrasting with the unscripted gonzo format dominant elsewhere. Early examples included the 1985 release I Dream of Ginger, which incorporated structured plots to attract female viewers, alongside investments in superior cinematography, sets, and overall polish. These enhancements, sustained through subsequent decades, positioned Vivid as an industry benchmark for quality, with later projects like the 2012 parody Star Wars XXX exemplifying technical sophistication and high budgets exceeding typical adult fare. Hirsch drove marketing innovations by implementing a star-centric system, securing exclusive contracts for "Vivid Girls" to foster branded talent akin to Hollywood's studio era, launched with performer Ginger Lynn Allen in late 1984. Packaging breakthroughs featured glamour-magazine-style covers and artwork, boosting retail viability; one initial hit sold 6,000 units, yielding $700,000 in gross revenue. Billboard campaigns in high-traffic sites such as Times Square and Sunset Boulevard amplified visibility, while evolving tactics integrated social media, websites, and year-long promotions to engage niche demographics and leverage word-of-mouth.

Awards and Business Achievements

Steven Hirsch founded in 1984, establishing it as one of the largest producers of adult films and growing it into a company with estimated annual revenues of $100 million by the mid-2000s. Under his leadership, Vivid pioneered the mainstreaming of adult content through high-production-value films shot on 35mm, innovative marketing, and the lucrative distribution of celebrity sex tapes, such as those involving and in 1998, which set precedents for high-profile releases generating substantial profits. In 2001, Hirsch orchestrated Vivid's sale of three hardcore cable and satellite TV networks back to Enterprises for $70 million, marking one of the company's largest financial transactions at the time. Vivid Entertainment has amassed more awards than any other studio in the adult industry, including over 300 accolades from major events like the , recognizing excellence in production, marketing, and innovation. Specific highlights include multiple AVN wins for films such as : A in 2010, which secured five awards, and ongoing recognition for company image and soundtrack quality. In 2012, Hirsch personally received the inaugural AVN Visionary Award at the 29th annual ceremony in , honoring his role in propelling the industry forward through business expansion and content strategies that elevated adult entertainment's commercial viability. This lifetime achievement recognized his foundational contributions since Vivid's inception, including building a studio system that emphasized performer contracts and branded content lines.

Controversies

Legal Challenges Over Content Distribution

In September 1991, Steven Hirsch, along with business partners and distributors, faced federal charges in a for allegedly conspiring to produce and distribute pornographic videotapes across lines, including titles such as Anal Agony and Slammers. The charges accused Hirsch's companies of shipping materials deemed obscene under the , targeting interstate commerce in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1465. While the case highlighted ongoing federal efforts to prosecute adult content distributors in conservative jurisdictions, no public record indicates a conviction against Hirsch, and continued operations without apparent long-term disruption. Vivid Entertainment, under Hirsch's leadership, encountered significant challenges from unauthorized online distribution, prompting aggressive copyright enforcement. In December 2007, Vivid filed a federal lawsuit against PornoTube (operated by AEBN/Data Conversions Inc.) in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging the user-generated video site facilitated and profited from widespread piracy of Vivid's copyrighted content through ad revenue, without implementing adequate safeguards like age verification or performer record-keeping under 18 U.S.C. § 2257. The suit claimed PornoTube's model mirrored YouTube's but evaded liability by hosting infringing clips that undercut Vivid's legitimate distribution channels, seeking damages exceeding $150,000 per infringed work; the case underscored broader industry struggles with tube sites eroding revenue from physical and licensed digital sales. Contractual disputes over exclusive rights also arose, as seen in Vivid's 2006 lawsuit against Entertainment Group for breaching a 10-year output deal that granted pay-per-view rights to Vivid titles. Filed in , the action alleged underpaid royalties and improperly handled dissemination, with a ruling in June 2006 allowing Vivid to proceed beyond claims. Hirsch personally notified of termination rights under the agreement, highlighting tensions in licensing arrangements critical to Vivid's multi-platform . These actions reflect Hirsch's in defending proprietary amid evolving threats, though outcomes emphasized the need for robust in an industry prone to infringement.

Opposition to Regulatory Measures

Hirsch has been a prominent critic of mandatory use in adult film production, arguing that such regulations infringe on free speech rights and disrupt . In November 2012, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure B with 56% support, requiring performers to use condoms during vaginal and scenes in films produced under county health permits, with the aim of reducing sexually transmitted infections. Hirsch, through , opposed the measure, contending that mandatory condoms would drive production out of , as evidenced by a subsequent 95% drop in county-issued porn film permits by 2016. He emphasized that consumer demand favors unbarriered sex scenes and that the industry's voluntary STI testing protocols—conducted twice weekly by facilities like the Talent Clearinghouse—provide more effective protection than condoms alone. In response to Measure B, filed a federal lawsuit against County in 2013, asserting that the ordinance violated the First Amendment by compelling unwanted expressive content and imposing undue burdens on producers without evidence of superior outcomes. Hirsch described the law as the "first battle in a long war" against overreach, predicting it would harm performers' livelihoods by relocating shoots to unregulated jurisdictions like or abroad. A federal judge rejected the suit in December 2014, upholding the requirement, though Hirsch maintained that self-policing through testing had kept industry infection rates low historically. Hirsch extended his opposition to broader state-level efforts, criticizing a 2015 California ballot initiative that would have allowed private lawsuits against producers failing to enforce condom use, calling it an overreach that ignored the voluntary adoption of barriers by some studios in the past, such as Vivid's mid-2000s policy before enhanced testing emerged. He has also warned against excessive enforcement of existing federal obscenity laws, advising in 2012 that while child pornography prosecutions deserve rigor, adult consensual content should not face zealous scrutiny, as it risks chilling protected expression without causal links to societal harms.

Public Offers and Media Backlash

, under Steven Hirsch's leadership, has frequently made high-profile public offers to celebrities and public figures to participate in or sell rights to films, often timed with personal scandals or visibility to maximize publicity. These offers, publicized through press releases and direct communications, have generated substantial revenue potential for Vivid but consistently provoked criticism for ethical lapses, including perceived exploitation of vulnerable individuals and commodification of private matters. Critics in outlets like have highlighted how such tactics raise concerns over invasion and , particularly when initial leaks precede negotiated deals. A notable instance occurred in February 2009, when Hirsch extended an unsolicited $1 million offer to , known as "Octomom" following the birth of her octuplets, to star in an adult film as a means to alleviate her mounting financial pressures from raising 14 children. Media coverage, including from Bay Area, framed the proposal as opportunistic amid Suleman's welfare dependency and public struggles, though Hirsch positioned it as a pragmatic solution to offset taxpayer burdens. Suleman initially rejected the offer but later engaged in other adult content work, underscoring the persistent media scrutiny over Vivid's approach to distressed celebrities. In May 2011, Hirsch publicly offered , sister of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, $5 million for a single explicit scene, referencing her prominent role at the royal wedding in a formal letter that leaked to media outlets. Reports from and described the bid as an "outrageous" and tone-deaf intrusion into British royalty-adjacent privacy, amplifying backlash against Vivid's pattern of leveraging fame for profit without prior solicitation. Similar offers, such as the $100,000 extended to NBA player in August 2016 following a locker room scandal—touted by Hirsch as fitting Green's "perfect" persona—drew ridicule and ethical rebukes in sports media like the for trivializing serious incidents.

Advocacy Positions

Defense Against Moral and Political Critiques

Steven Hirsch has rebutted moral critiques of the adult industry by asserting that content produced between consenting adults does not warrant societal alarm, particularly when contrasted with more severe issues like child exploitation. In , responding to calls for restrictions on pornography, Hirsch stated that "as long as it's not , we shouldn't be worrying about it," prioritizing other national challenges over consensual adult entertainment. He has directly challenged organizations like Morality in Media, whose president claimed fosters an "untreated epidemic of ." Hirsch labeled these assertions "inflammatory and ridiculous," demanding Trueman halt defamatory personal attacks and threatening , while defending the industry's role in providing voluntary employment and entertainment without evidence of the causal harms alleged. Against political efforts to impose regulations, such as bans on hardcore pornography advocated by figures like Rick Santorum, Hirsch has invoked First Amendment protections, arguing that such measures infringe on free expression without empirical justification for overriding individual agency in a market-driven sector. In opposing Los Angeles County's 2012 Measure B, which required condom use during filmed sexual acts, Hirsch led Vivid Entertainment's lawsuit claiming it violated free speech by dictating artistic content and performer choices, asserting that the industry's voluntary STI testing protocols—conducted biweekly by facilities like the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation—effectively mitigate health risks more reliably than mandates that disrupt production and authenticity. Hirsch has further countered exploitation narratives by highlighting performers' , noting that many, like , transition successfully to mainstream careers post-industry, suggesting participation reflects personal rather than coercion.

Promotion of Performer Agency and Free Speech

Hirsch has consistently argued that adult film performers, as consenting adults, possess the to decide on protective measures during production, prioritizing industry-wide testing protocols over government-imposed mandates. In opposition to ' Measure B, approved by voters on November 6, 2012, which required use in adult films produced under city permits, Hirsch led in filing a federal lawsuit on January 8, 2013, contending that the ordinance infringed on performers' rights to bodily and expression by dictating content production methods. The suit, joined by performers including , framed the measure as an unconstitutional on speech, emphasizing that voluntary policies implemented by companies like Vivid in the mid-2000s had been superseded by effective biweekly and testing through the industry's performer database, which Hirsch credited with maintaining low transmission rates without mandates. This stance extended to statewide efforts, as Hirsch publicly opposed Proposition 60 in 2016, which sought to enforce use in all pornographic films produced in the state and allow private lawsuits for violations. He warned that such regulations would drive production out of , undermining performers' earning potential and , with Vivid stating it would cease operations there if passed, citing performers' for tested bareback scenes as a market-driven decision reflecting their . Hirsch advocated self-regulation as superior, pointing to Vivid's internal policies and the Free Speech Coalition's oversight, which he described as empowering performers through rather than coercive rules that ignored of testing efficacy. On free speech grounds, Hirsch positioned these battles as defenses against broader of adult content, arguing in 2013 that condom mandates constituted by altering artistic expression in films, a view echoed in legal challenges asserting First Amendment protections for non-obscene material. He has criticized political rhetoric demonizing the industry, as in his 2012 to Republicans urging them to recognize evolving societal norms on sexuality rather than pursuing prohibitive policies that encroach on expressive freedoms. These efforts underscore Hirsch's promotion of performer agency as intertwined with free speech, rejecting external impositions in favor of contractual negotiations and market incentives that, per industry data he referenced, have sustained performer participation without widespread health crises beyond isolated incidents promptly addressed via production moratoriums.

Personal Life

Relationships and Family

Steven Hirsch was born into a family involved in the adult film distribution business in Cleveland, Ohio, where his father operated a company importing and distributing explicit materials from Europe. His father explained the nature of the work to Hirsch and his sister during childhood, noting potential social stigma from peers. Hirsch's sister, Marci Hirsch, has worked for Vivid Entertainment, as has his father, reflecting ongoing family involvement in the company. His brother, Brad Hirsch, briefly worked at Vivid before departing in 2002 following a romantic relationship with an actress contracted to the company. Hirsch was married to Laurie Hirsch, with whom he shares two children, Alexa Hirsch and Jack Hirsch. The couple appeared together with their children in the 2009 documentary episode "Finding " from the series Deeper . Their marriage ended in , as documented in a case filed in County. Hirsch has maintained a low public profile regarding his personal relationships beyond his family, with no verified reports of subsequent marriages or long-term partnerships.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

Steven Hirsch's is estimated at $200 million, derived primarily from his co-founding and leadership of , a major producer and distributor of adult films since 1984. Alternative estimates place his wealth at $100 million, reflecting the company's revenue from video sales, licensing, and celebrity sex tapes, though exact figures remain unverified due to the private nature of the business. Public details on Hirsch's lifestyle are sparse, as he avoids high-profile personal disclosures amid industry scrutiny. Vivid Entertainment's headquarters in Van Nuys, California, suggest his professional base in the Los Angeles area, but no confirmed reports detail specific residences, vehicles, or expenditures. A 2016 lawsuit by a former housekeeper alleged unpaid overtime at his home, settled out of court without public disclosure of location or assets involved, underscoring limited transparency into his private life.

References

  1. [1]
    Steve Hirsch | HuffPost
    Steven Hirsch is the founder and co-chairman of Vivid Entertainment, the adult entertainment company he launched in 1984.
  2. [2]
    Steven Hirsch Net Worth
    Steven Hirsch is an American businessman who has a net worth of $200 million. Born in 1961 in Lyndhurst, Ohio, Steven Hirsch founded Vivid Entertainment.
  3. [3]
    Vivid Entertainment: A new business model for porn - Reuters
    Sep 2, 2010 · The founder of Vivid Entertainment, the leading purveyor of pornographic videos, has built a business estimated to pull in annually as much as a $100 million ( ...
  4. [4]
    The Valley Exposed: From pioneer to porn giant
    Aug 29, 2017 · In 1984, the duo founded Vivid Entertainment Group, which has grown into one of the world's largest adult-entertainment companies, with ...Missing: net | Show results with:net
  5. [5]
    Vivid CEO Steven Hirsch on How the Kim K & Ray J Deal ... - YouTube
    Sep 11, 2022 · In this VladTV Flashback from 2014, Vivid Entertainment's CEO Steven Hirsch opened up about the success that the company has had with ...Missing: founder | Show results with:founder
  6. [6]
    Steven Hirsch The Porn king against LA new safe sex regulations
    Feb 2, 2013 · This innovative marketing made Vivid the number one member of the adults business and granted the company a large number of film making awards, ...
  7. [7]
    The Actress, the Producer and Their Porn Revolution
    Jan 6, 2002 · Steven Hirsch was working as a national sales rep for porn distributor CalVista Video. There he befriended the head of the catalog division, ...Missing: net | Show results with:net<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    Steve Hirsch - Trivia - IMDb
    Steve Hirsch. Producer: Scoring. Steve Hirsch was born on 25 May 1961 in Lyndhurst, Ohio, USA. He is a producer and actor.
  9. [9]
    Executive Seat: Vivid's Marci Hirsch - XBIZ.com
    Executive Seat: Vivid's Marci Hirsch. Dan Miller ... Marci, who is CEO Steven Hirsch's sister ... I'm also involved with Vivid TV and Vivid cams but to a much ...
  10. [10]
    The Valley Exposed: From pioneer to porn giant – Daily News
    No readable text found in the HTML.<|separator|>
  11. [11]
    12 Things You Didn't Know About Vivid Entertainment - Thrillist
    Mar 28, 2014 · In 1984, Steven Hirsch founded Vivid Entertainment when he was only 23 years old. ... Vivid was the first company to release porn on DVD.
  12. [12]
    Vivid's 25th Anniversary: How Steven Hirsch's Company Thrust Porn ...
    Sep 30, 2009 · When AVC jumped into home video, he would feed the VHS (and some Beta) duplicating machines. Then he got a sales job at Cal Vista, a major ...
  13. [13]
    Steven Hirsch: I Was Born Into the Porn Industry - YouTube
    Sep 16, 2014 · http://www.vladtv.com - Vivid Entertainment CEO Steven Hirsch opens up about growing up in the porn industry and learning from his father, ...Missing: founder | Show results with:founder
  14. [14]
    Vivid - LUKE IS BACK
    He worked first as a bartender, then later sold tickets at a porno theater on Hollywood Boulevard. He eventually became friends with Steve Hirsch who was ...
  15. [15]
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB975369303347589044
  16. [16]
    EXCLUSIVE: Steven Hirsch: I Was Born Into the Porn Industry | VladTV
    Vivid Entertainment CEO Steven Hirsch opens up about growing up in the porn industry and learning from his father, who worked for Rueben Sturman, ...
  17. [17]
    Vivid Entertainment LLC - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding
    Legal Name Vivid Entertainment, LLC ; Operating Status Active ; Company Type For Profit ; Founders Bill Asher, David James, Steven Hirsch.
  18. [18]
    Vivid Entertainment: A new business model for porn - Reuters
    Sep 2, 2010 · Hirsch has been a leader in the mainstreaming of porn, emphasizing quality by shooting on film rather than video; introducing more tasteful ...Missing: initial | Show results with:initial
  19. [19]
    Branded flesh - The Economist
    Aug 12, 1999 · The person who has done more than anyone else to recreate the system is the president of Vivid Video, Steven Hirsch. Meeting Mr Hirsch is an odd ...
  20. [20]
    Vivid Founder Steven Hirsch Named Icon Keynote Speaker for XBIZ ...
    Oct 2, 2015 · Under Hirsch's leadership, Vivid became the first adult studio to heavily market a “contract girl” who worked exclusively for one company.
  21. [21]
    In the celeb sex-tape trade, there's more flirting than hookups
    Sep 15, 2008 · But in the company's 24-year history, it has put out just nine celebrity sex tapes, Hirsch said.<|separator|>
  22. [22]
    This is the real story behind Kim Kardashian's sex tape… and how it ...
    Mar 28, 2017 · In March 2007, the tapes that Kim and Ray J had made were released to the public by porn company Vivid Entertainment as Kim Kardashian, ...
  23. [23]
    Kim Kardashian's sex tape scandal and the legal fallout
    In February 2007, Kim filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Vivid Entertainment, an adult entertainment company, for 'unspecified damages, ...
  24. [24]
    Vivid heats up Hollywood with porn - CNN
    Oct 19, 2011 · Since then, Vivid has purchased Paris Hilton's famous “1 Night in Paris,” and tapes featuring former “Girl Next Door” Kendra Wilkinson, actor ...<|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Video: 'Nightline' Looks at Celebrity Sex Tape Biz - XBIZ.com
    Jun 3, 2010 · Steven Hirsch of Vivid, the company responsible for releasing the Mindy McCready, Kendra Wilkinson and other sex tapes, says he gets offers ...
  26. [26]
    The Best Vivid Entertainment Celebrity Sex Tapes Ranked - Thrillist
    Jul 25, 2014 · Vivid's 10 Best Celebrity Sex Tapes, Ranked. Steven Hirsch is the head of Vivid Entertainment, the legendary porn company that brought you ...
  27. [27]
    Hirsch Ranks Vivid's Best Celebrity Sex Tapes | AVN
    Oct 14, 2014 · Hirsch was asked by SuperCompressor.com to rank the Top 10 Best Celebrity Sex Tapes Ever—and oddly enough, they all turned out to be Vivid ...
  28. [28]
    Hulk Hogan 'sex tape' emerges, shopped to porn company - IMDb
    Mar 7, 2012 · A sex tape featuring Hulk Hogan has reportedly been shopped to porn producers Vivid Entertainment. The company's founder Steve Hirsch told ...
  29. [29]
    Hulk Hogan Sex Tape a Best-Seller? Adult Video Honcho Thinks It ...
    Mar 8, 2012 · Adult-film purveyor Vivid Entertainment is ready for a chance to distribute a sex tape featuring the former wrestling superstar.
  30. [30]
    The Porn King - Forbes
    Mar 7, 2005 · Steven Hirsch has big dreams for adult film giant Vivid Entertainment.
  31. [31]
    Vivid Entertainment Founder Steven Hirsch Will Keynote 2011
    Dec 6, 2010 · Hirsch differentiated Vivid early on by signing beautiful talent, 'The Vivid Girls,' to exclusive contracts, by developing films targeted ...
  32. [32]
    After 27 years, porno pioneer Vivid Entertainment is still lighting the fire
    Jan 21, 2012 · He founded the company in 1984, and Vivid has since become one of the leading producers and distributors of adult films and related products.Missing: father name
  33. [33]
    Obscene Profits - Forbes
    Dec 12, 2005 · ... Vivid Entertainment in Los Angeles, the nation's largest producer of video pornography. Privately held, it claims annual revenue of $100 million ...
  34. [34]
    Hirsch: Santorum's Porn Stand Is 'Ridiculous And Just Plain ... - AVN
    Co-founder and CEO Steven Hirsch was honored in 2012 with the first AVN Visionary Award as a leader who "has propelled innovation and taken his company and ...
  35. [35]
    https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vivid-chief-steven-hirsch-blasts-morality-in-media-president-patrick-trueman-for-ridiculous-statements-169168946.html
  36. [36]
    U.S. Indicts 3 Firms on Obscenity Charges - Los Angeles Times
    Sep 28, 1991 · The indictment charges that Hirsch, James and their companies conspired to produce and distribute “hard-core pornographic videotape films,” ...
  37. [37]
    Porn producer Vivid sues video site - Los Angeles Times
    Dec 11, 2007 · A major porn producer filed a lawsuit Monday against an X-rated knockoff of YouTube, alleging that it profited from piracy by allowing its users to post videos ...
  38. [38]
    Echoes of YouTube: PornoTube sued for copyright infringement
    Dec 11, 2007 · Vivid Entertainment Group filed a lawsuit against PornoTube's parent companies, Data Conversions, Inc. (which operates as AEBN) and WMM, LLC.
  39. [39]
    Vivid Can Proceed with Playboy Suit - Next TV
    Jul 19, 2006 · The adult-film studio filed suit against Playboy in April, alleging that the adult-entertainment giant violated terms of a 10-year film-output ...
  40. [40]
    VIVID VIDEO INC v. PLAYBOY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP INC (2007)
    Case opinion for CA Court of Appeal VIVID VIDEO INC v. PLAYBOY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP INC. Read the Court's full decision on FindLaw.
  41. [41]
    Porn Industry Against Mandatory Condom Measure - ABC News
    Nov 9, 2012 · Hirsch said Vivid Entertainment made condoms mandatory during the mid-2000s, before the industry testing procedures were implemented, and its ...Missing: opposition | Show results with:opposition
  42. [42]
    L.A. County saw a 95% drop in porn film permits. With the condom ...
    Nov 15, 2016 · Vivid Entertainment sued the county in 2013, claiming the condom requirement violated the 1st Amendment right to freedom of expression.Missing: opposition | Show results with:opposition
  43. [43]
    Porn Industry Turned Off By L.A. Mandate For Condoms On Set - NPR
    Jan 15, 2013 · Hirsch argues that viewers don't want to watch performers using condoms. He says 12 years ago, when he briefly made his company condom-mandatory ...
  44. [44]
    LA Weekly: Porn Industry, Steven Hirsch, Kayden Kross, File Suit ...
    Jan 11, 2013 · Steven Hirsch, chief of Vivid Entertainment, announced that they have filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Los Angeles that says the law, approved by ...Missing: cases distribution rights
  45. [45]
    The Battle to Overturn 'Measure B': The Forced Condoms in Porn Act
    Nov 15, 2012 · “This is the first battle in a long war,” says Hirsch, founder of adult entertainment company Vivid Entertainment Group, of the Measure B ...Missing: opposition mandate
  46. [46]
    Court Upholds Los Angeles Rule That Porn Actors Must Wear ...
    Dec 15, 2014 · A federal judge rejected the claims of porn producers that requiring actors to wear condoms was a violation of their free speech rights.
  47. [47]
    Pornographers Rip California Condom Initiative - USNews.com
    Nov 6, 2015 · Vivid Entertainment founder Steven Hirsch, right, and Hustler publisher Larry Flynt are among the pornographers who oppose a statewide condom ...
  48. [48]
    Adult Entertainment Chief Steven Hirsch Cautions GOP on Over ...
    Aug 30, 2012 · Co-founder and CEO Steven Hirsch was honored in 2012 with the first AVN Visionary Award as a leader who "has propelled innovation and taken ...
  49. [49]
    Porn Industry Responds to GOP's Anti-Porn Platform - DCist
    Aug 30, 2012 · Hirsch approved of Republicans' pledge to increase enforcement of anti-child pornography laws, but when it comes to material depicting adults, ...Missing: regulations | Show results with:regulations
  50. [50]
    Vivid's Celebrity Sex Tapes - Business Insider
    Sep 20, 2012 · 12 Celebrity Sex Tapes Worth Millions · Follow Ashley Lutz · #12 "American Idol" star Jessica Sierra · #11 Figure skater Tonya Harding · #10 Country ...Missing: profile | Show results with:profile
  51. [51]
    Suleman Surrenders Privacy as Pressure Mounts - NBC Bay Area
    Feb 26, 2009 · Seeing opportunity, Vivid Entertainment's Steven Hirsch made the unsolicited offer to pay Suleman a million bucks to help cover her burgeoning ...
  52. [52]
    Porn Shy "Octomom" Still Sought by Vivid Entertainment - HuffPost
    Apr 4, 2009 · "If Nadya really rejects this offer, it's a shame, because by accepting it she could have saved the taxpayers a cool million bucks," Hirsch ...
  53. [53]
    Adult Film Producer Vivid Offers Pippa Middleton $5 Million for "One ...
    May 8, 2011 · TMZ reports that Steven Hirsch, the founder of Vivid Entertainment, has made a written offer to Kate Middleton's sister Pippa, ...
  54. [54]
    Pippa Middleton's Outrageous $5 Million Job Offer
    May 8, 2011 · Pippa Middleton's Outrageous $5 Million Job Offer. Writes Vivid chief Steven Hirsch of the offer to do porn: "As I watched a broadcast of the ...
  55. [55]
    Vivid says Draymond Green is 'perfect' for porn, offers him $100K ...
    Aug 2, 2016 · According to TMZ Sports, the Golden State Warrior is being offered $100,000 by Vivid Entertainment co-founder Steven Hirsch to star in a porn ...Missing: media | Show results with:media
  56. [56]
    Steven Hirsch, Porn Producer, Tells Republicans To 'Catch Up... Sex ...
    Aug 31, 2012 · Steven Hirsch, co-chaiman of one of the largest porn franchises, Vivid Entertainment, as he warned the GOP Thursday to back off.
  57. [57]
    Vivid Chief Steven Hirsch Blasts Morality In Media President Patrick ...
    Sep 10, 2012 · PRNewswire/ -- Steven Hirsch, founder/co-chairman of leading adult movie studio Vivid Entertainment, today blasted Morality in Media ...<|separator|>
  58. [58]
    SANTORUM: 'I Will Ban Hardcore Pornography' – PHAWKER.COM ...
    NEW YORK DAILY NEWS: The Republican presidential candidate and staunch social conservative wants to ban hard-core pornography. He calls it “toxic to ...Missing: defense critiques
  59. [59]
    Porn producer: L.A. County condom law violates free-speech rights
    Jan 12, 2013 · 'If they want to digitally remove a condom' from the final cut of a film, 'there's no issue.' Steven Hirsch, Vivid's founder and co-chief ...Missing: industry | Show results with:industry
  60. [60]
    Porn Industry Uses Free Speech to Fight California's Condom Law ...
    "We will fight for our right to express ourselves as we please," Steven Hirsch, Vivid's founder and co-chief executive officer, told the the L.A. Times.
  61. [61]
    Vivid Entertainment President Steven Hirsch Thinks More Adult ...
    Steven Hirsch, the president of adult production company Vivid Entertainment, believes more pornography stars should follow in the footsteps of Sasha Grey ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  62. [62]
    Adult industry execs fret over piracy, L.A. condom ordinance | Business
    Steven Hirsch, founder and co-chairman of industry giant Vivid Entertainment ... "We believe performers have the right to make that decision," Hirsch said.
  63. [63]
    Proposition 60: Requiring condoms in California-made porn films
    Oct 27, 2016 · "We would 100 percent stop," said Steven Hirsch, co-founder and co-CEO of Vivid Entertainment, one of the industry's largest porn producers.
  64. [64]
    Prop. 60 Would Require Condoms In California-Made Porn Films
    Oct 8, 2016 · "We would 100 percent stop," said Steven Hirsch, co-founder and co-CEO of Vivid Entertainment, one of the industry's largest porn producers.
  65. [65]
    Porn Film Safety Crackdown Sought - CBS News
    Apr 30, 2004 · "I think self-regulation is best," said Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of Vivid Entertainment, the largest adult entertainment company. Vivid ...
  66. [66]
    Group believes Romney administration should prosecute pay-per ...
    Sep 1, 2012 · Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of adult film company Vivid Entertainment, has called for the GOP to tamper down the anti-porn rhetoric, saying that ...
  67. [67]
    Positive HIV Test Halts Porn Shoots at Companies - CNBC
    Oct 14, 2010 · ... Steven Hirsch, the founder of Vivid, one of the largest makers of adult films, said Wednesday. "Adult entertainment companies act ...<|separator|>
  68. [68]
    Steve Hirsch - Biography - IMDb
    Steve Hirsch was born on May 25, 1961 in Lyndhurst, Ohio, USA. He is a producer and actor. Family. Spouse. Laurie Hirsch. Trivia. Older brother ...
  69. [69]
    "Deeper Throat" Finding Linda (TV Episode 2009) - IMDb
    Finding Linda: Directed by Michael Call. With Laurie Hirsch, Steve Hirsch, Jack Hirsch, Alexa Hirsch ... (as Steven Hirsch). Jack Hirsch · Self · Alexa Hirsch.
  70. [70]
    Steven Hirsch Vs Laurie Hirsch Lawsuit | Trellis.Law
    Hirsch Steven, filed a(n) Divorce,Separation - Family case represented by Ribet Claudia Nan, against Hirsch Laurie, in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County.
  71. [71]
    Steven Hirsch Net Worth - TheRichest
    Known as “The Porn King,” Steven Hirsch has an estimated net worth of $100 million. Born on May 25, 1961 in Lyndhurst, Ohio.Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  72. [72]
    Vivid Entertainment Founder Settles with Latina Housekeeper
    Dec 11, 2016 · Housekeeper Ursula Ayala sued Steven Hirsch and Vivid Entertainment, alleging she was fired for complaining about not being paid overtime ...